Jonjo Shelvey says he is on a mission to repay every penny of his £12million transfer fee back to Newcastle United fans with some “blood and snot” performances.

The England international proved to be an instant hit after a sparkling display on his Toon debut against West Ham – and Shelvey is now gearing up for another crunch clash at Watford this weekend.

The Romford-born star, though, feels the hard work is only just starting as he looks to build a rapport with Newcastle supporters. Shelvey has recognised that he is plying his trade in a hard-working city and his performances must reflect that.

Shelvey told the Chronicle: “They work all hours of the week to pay for their tickets for the game. It is a pleasure for any player that they want to come and see us. The only way you can repay them is by going out and doing it on the pitch.

“I am from a working class background. I lived in a council house my whole life. I feel that I can fit in here and that I can be the right player for the club.

Explaining what he wants to bring to the team, Shelvey said: “I will play wherever I am told but what I can give to the fans is a bit more creativity and I will always put my foot in.

“I will never shirk a challenge. I just want to work my socks off for the team. Hopefully I can chip in with goals too. I like to get forward and score goals, we’re looking for more belief going forward.”

Shelvey also said his dad, Ricky, would not accept any half-hearted performances after signing for Newcastle.

He said: “My dad would kill me if I pulled out of a challenge. I look to put in all-action displays in midfield and chip in with goals and assists as well.”

Newcastle fans have been delighted with Shelvey’s contributions so far but he did arrive on Tyneside on the back of some negative headlines.

Fans on the Gallowgate End were chanting his name just minutes into his debut, quite a contrast to his last act for Swansea.

Booed off in that final game for Swansea, against Oxford United in the FA Cup, some fans questioned his attitude.

However, Shelvey said: “I don’t see myself as a player with a bad attitude. I don’t know where people get that.

“What hasn’t helped me in the past is some people have reported things and a lot of people just believe what is written. I don’t see myself with a bad attitude and I will show myself to the Newcastle fans.

“I hope that the comments will stop about a bad attitude. My number one goal is to show these fans that I am the right person for the club.”